Requires electric public utility to reimburse residential customer for cost of food and prescription medicine spoiled or compromised as a result of sustained electric service outage.

This bill (S 505) requires New Jersey electric utilities to reimburse residential customers for spoiled food and compromised prescription medicine during sustained power outages lasting over 48 hours after a major event (like storms or floods). Customers would receive up to $500 for spoiled food (with proof like receipts) or up to $1,000 for compromised medicine (with pharmacy proof). Utilities must create an online system for claims within 90 days of the law taking effect, and reimbursements must be processed within 30 days of a valid request. The bill applies directly to residential utility customers affected by qualifying outages, not to commercial users or non-utility-related spoilage.